Download or read book Management of the Cerrado Soils of Brazil written by W. J. Goedert and published by . This book was released on 1983 with total page 24 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A large proportion of the world tropical region is covered by savannas, which have been little used for agriculture. Locally known as Cerrado, this ecosystem occupies about 20% of Brazilian territory. Preliminary surveys indicate that at least 50x10 ha of the cerrado are of potential use for intensive mechanized agriculture, but development has been limited by soil-related constraints. Most soils are acid and with very low naçtive fertility, especially in terms of phosphorus. Chemical barriers to root growth may cause severe yield losses during dry periods. Field crop responses to lime and fertilizers, obtained during the last 5-8 years, show that once soil-related constraints are removed, high yields can be achieved. This review gives an account of the main lines jof research which are leading to economic methods of developing the agricultural use of the cerrado, and gives future research needs.